UA freshmen pitch in with Hurricane Creek cleanup for service-learning program (photos)

HOLT, Alabama -- Incoming University of Alabama Honors College freshmen got a crash course in local ecology this week in UA's Outdoor Action service-learning project.

On Wednesday and Thursday, they volunteered in a clean-up project at the Friends of Hurricane Creek campground at Watson's Bend in Holt, which felt the direct impact of the April 27, 2011, tornado.

Under the direction of Hurricane Creekkeeper John Wathen, 80 freshmen and 18 student leaders cleared debris, cut fire breaks, chipped up limbs, rebuilt a shed with salvaged wood and completed other projects at the site.

"I think we've actually been able to make a surprising difference," said Brittany Picuri, a freshman from Fairless Hills, Penn. "Yesterday, all the trails were covered with invasive species and all kinds of trees, and we've been really working hard to move everything out. It looks like we've made a really big impact so far, I think."

Amy Williams, a freshman from Towson, Md., said she was encouraged by Wathen and the work she and her classmates were able to do over the week.

"I wanted to get more involved in the Honors College and meet other kids who were also passionate about the environment and definitely start off at Alabama by helping the community," said Williams. "I think it's a great start."

Fran O'Neal, associate director of the Honors College, said the program gives students a bonding experience as well as the gratification that comes from service.

"They really came in with the idea that they wanted to meet other students who shared their interest in the environment and provide some community service, but they didn't perhaps expect to have quite so much fun," O'Neal said. "They're really getting to make good friendships over the week."

More than 200 Honors College students participated in community service projects this week. Students in the Alabama Action program worked at Flatwoods Elementary School and Crestmont Elementary School on projects including playground repairs, painting and revitalizing an outdoor habitat at Flatwoods.

Before lending a hand at the campground, Outdoor Action students began the week with a canoe trip on the Sipsey River, where they learned about freshwater ecology and unique biodiversity of Alabama by collecting different species of mussels. They also made improvements at Perry Lakes Park near Marion in Perry County that included installing benches and trail maintenance, adding to work done by four previous classes of UA Outdoor Action students.

"We think it's the perfect orientation for our students because it does let them learn about the state where they'll be living for the next four years as students," O'Neal said. "It helps them create a sense of community within the Honors College, that there are some other very bright, very committed students who are going to be part of their classes. And it makes them feel like they're coming in as contributing members of the community."

Wathen said volunteers like the Outdoor Action students were necessary for maintaining the land that has seen an increased number of bugs and invasive plant species like privet hedges and mimosa trees since the area's triple canopy was devastated by the tornado.

"When I've got young adults as energetic as they are, doing this amount of work -- this is phenomenal," said Wathen. "These guys are critical, absolutely they're the most important part of our effort."

Last year, the Outdoor Action crew brought down two tons of scrap metal -- parts of mobile homes, sides of buildings, lawn mowers and boats -- off a bluff next to Hurricane Creek in one day, Wathen said.